154 Steering - - Need Some Advice

Wed Jun 01, 2011 6:50 pm

A good friend called about an hour ago and said that his 154 did not steer. He had noticed a few days ago that it 'wandered' as he drove it down the road. Today he said that it turned one way but would not turn back (I failed to ask in which direction). I agreed to come tomorrow and take a look at it and see what I could do. I have reviewed the 154 service manual (GSS-1408) and printed off the relevant pages of the parts manual. Bottom line is that I've never been in a 154 steering gear assembly before. What should I be looking for so as to avoid numerous 1.5 hour round trips between the 154 and the Cub House? Any suggestions on tools, techniques, short cuts will be appreciated. Time is of the essence because he has a LOT of grass to mow and it is growing like gang busters.

Thanks for your help.

Bill

Re: 154 Steering - - Need Some Advice

Thu Jun 02, 2011 2:54 am

The 154 tractors have tie rod ends similar to the Cub Cadets. There are 5 of them, one at the ends at each wheel and one at the end of each tie rod at the center, then two on the center rod/drag link, one at the steering wheel end, and the other at the front axle. One of those two has likely broken, and it's probably the one at the steering wheel end. Te only way to fix them is to replace them. You might be able to drill one out and put a bolt through it temporarily as a band-aid.

Good luck,Bill

Re: 154 Steering - - Need Some Advice

Thu Jun 02, 2011 5:58 am

Probably not relevant, but there is a grease zerk on the very bottom of the steering gear box. Lubing that greatly enhanced the steering on mine. It does sound like something broke or came loose on your friends tractor.

Re: 154 Steering - - Need Some Advice

Thu Jun 02, 2011 6:06 am

Thanks, folks. I'm on my way to take a look and see what I find.

Bill

Re: 154 Steering - - Need Some Advice

Thu Jun 02, 2011 7:31 am

Often, you may find the rod #6 in the diagram above becomes bent due to enhanced driving techniques. This will limit the turning radius in one direction. The rod is supposed to be straight.As a creative fix, I straightened mine out and then slid a 1/2" black pipe over the rod.

Re: 154 Steering - - Need Some Advice

Thu Jun 02, 2011 8:52 am

If you need replacement tie rod ends, they can be gotten on-line for about $8-$10 each plus shipping.To replace all of them you would need;Four Right Hand ends Number AM100644 or 245-043Two Left Hand ends Number AM100645 or 245-005

These are 1/2" -20 (both ends) one end female, one end male, 90 degrees.Just Google the numbers to find the right supplier for you - there is a wide variance in prices.NJDale

Re: 154 Steering - - Need Some Advice

Thu Jun 02, 2011 10:18 am

You can go to; http://www.mcmaster.com and get the stainless ball socket tie rod ends to replace the orginal IH ones. It makes the steering much easier. Also check the wheel bearings since its wandering it may have loose or worn wheel bearings too. There is an adjustment screw on the steering box to take up some of the play in it. Also check the center 90 degree lever that connects the steering drag link to the tie rods. Some of the looseness can be there too. Bill

BTW; It pays to have extra parts for our 154's inhouse too. I have more than a complete int154 in parts on the shelves. I have extra cub cadet parts inhouse too. Hamiltonbobscubs on ebay is were i got all the used parts. I like when its a quick repair when I already have the parts inhouse. Then i just replace them again. Just don't forget to reorder. I'm also starting to do this with fcub parts too. If were going to use and work them remember these are well beyond there years now and things are wearing out.

I can't say anything bad about the IH equipment of yesteryear when they will still outlast the new machines of today. The new lawn mowers look cheap in quality. I think my older IH stuff will still be running when the newer stuff is long gone.